Community Corner

Reward For Invasive Snakehead + Spring Flea Market + Women On Railroad

Maryland is battling invasive snakeheads. Fishers who catch one could get a reward. Plus, a flea market and a railroad exhibit are coming.

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Correction: A previous version of this story had the incorrect date and time for the oyster gardening event. We have since corrected the article, and we now have the correct details. We apologize for our mistake.

MARYLAND — Maryland fishers should keep their eyes peeled for invasive snakeheads. Catching one may earn them a reward. Plus, a spring flea market and a women on the railroad exhibit are coming to town.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Up to $200 Cash for Snakeheads!

The Maryland DNR has put 500 tags on snakeheads from Gunpowder River, upper Chesapeake Bay tributaries and Mattawoman and Nanjemoy creeks of Potomac River. Anyone who harvests a tagged snakehead will receive a prize of either $10 for a yellow tag or $200 for a blue tag. Anglers can report the tag number to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service phone number found on the tag, and they will be asked to email a picture of their harvested, tagged snakehead to Maryland DNR. Only snakeheads that are harvested—removed from the water and not returned—with a tag number that is reported in 2024 will qualify for monetary rewards. More info about the snakehead rewards program"

"Spring Flea Market and Craft Sale

The historic Benson Hammond House, located along the BWI Trail, is hosting its annual flea market and craft sale. This event gets bigger every year! Come browse over 50 vendor stalls with everything from candles to antiques. May 20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Benson Hammond House, Linthicum, MD. More information"

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"Working Women on the Rails Tour

Learn how the B&O Railroad has helped various groups achieve civil rights and forge new roles in the American labor force. This Mother’s Day learn about pioneering women railroad workers throughout history and their many contributions. Included with admission. May 14, 2 p.m.; B&O Railway Museum, Baltimore, MD. More information"

"Take Your Mom for a Hike

Start Mother's Day off right with a hike along the Flowing Free Trail. The hike will be about 3 miles and last about an hour. It’s springtime, so be sure to keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife moms. Meet at the parking lot near the Nature Center. May 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Patuxent River State Park, Brookville, MD. More information"

"Oyster Gardening

Oyster gardening provides important nursery habitat as well as filtering the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries. You are invited to learn all about Pickering Creek’s new spat growing program, the challenges these bivalve face and the research methods used to analyze the success of their oyster nurseries. $5 per person. [May 18, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.] Pickering Creek Audubon Center, Easton, MD. More information and registration"

"Janes Island Paddlefest

Mark your calendar! This year Janes Island State park is launching its first annual Paddlefest, and it looks to be a blockbuster fun family event! Planned events include guided paddles, Poker Run Paddle, campfire on the beach, food, music, pontoon boat rides, children's activities, nature crafts and more. More experienced paddlers can sign up for the Janes Island Challenge, a 13-mile circumnavigation of Janes Island. Paddlefest is free, however registration is requested. Bring your own boat, reserve one of the park's or make arrangements ahead with local vendors (listed on info link). June 3, Janes Island State Park, Crisfield, MD. More information"

"Webcam Updates!

We've had an exciting start to the wildlife webcam season, featuring Tom & Audrey the osprey, Barb & Boh the peregrine falcons and Rell & Eddie and the great blue heron rookery. Chesapeake Conservancy is proud to present these webcams in partnership with explore.org.

Mrs. Crazy Osprey Man confirmed Audrey's return on March 17. After several weeks of silence from Tom, Audrey began to receive repeated visits from a new male. This male suitor eventually won Audrey’s favor and the name Tom and the couple began to rebuild their nest in mid-April. Audrey laid her first egg of the season on May 1, followed by her second the evening of May 4, and her third and likely final egg the morning of May 8. Osprey tend to incubate their eggs for a little over a month, so we should see some pips in mid-June. Osprey Cam

Barb & Boh began their season with an egg on March 17 followed by her 2nd egg on the evening of March 19, a third egg on the morning of March 22 and a fourth egg the evening of March 24. After a month of incubation, the first peregrine eyas hatched the morning of April 28. Over the weekend, the remaining three eyases hatched from their eggs bringing us to a total of four eyases! Falcon Cam

Rell & Eddie and the many great blue herons have had a very active season with a better peek into their lives with an updated camera. The updated camera went live in early February following the return of several great blue herons to the colony. In previous years, the herons of the colony laid their eggs in late March and early April. Throughout April, the property owner discovered many eggshells on the ground, indicating that several heron chicks have hatched. If you listen on the camera, you might hear the squawking of heron chicks. Heron Cam"

"Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival

This western Maryland festival will feature a large selection of native plants and nature-themed items for sale from regional nurseries and local artisans (cash or check only), as well as nature walks, educational programs and displays provided by a variety of conservation groups, including Maryland Conservation Corps, Garrett Trails, Maryland Native Plant Society, American Forest Foundation and University of Maryland Extension. Free. May 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; New Germany State Park, Grantsville, MD. More information"

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